Syracuse, N.Y. -- The American Red Cross says it has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all types to prevent a blood shortage.
Over the past 11 weeks, donations declined about 8 percent, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected.
The Red Cross said it could experience a shortage next week if donations continue dropping.
"Donors are needed every single day to ensure an adequate blood supply is available for patients this summer and throughout the year," Kay E. Schwartz, CEO of the the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region, said in a prepared statement.
The Red Cross is partnering with 100 Black Men of Syracuse Inc. to put on a blood drive 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie St., Syracuse.
The Red Cross said it is important that the blood supply reflect the diversity of the population because some African-Americans have rare blood types unique to the African-American community.
To make an appointment to donate blood call 1-800-733-2767 or visit the Red Cross website. A blood donor care or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check in.
You can contact health writer James T. Mulder at email@example.com or (315) 470-2245. Follow him on Twitter @JamesTMulder